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Detective Josie Quinn #12
Her Deadly Touch
The woman is kneeling at a gravestone, her hair blowing in the breeze, a bunch of wilting yellow daffodils on the grass beside her. Her eyes are fixed on the ground and her mouth is parted in a silent prayer. But the wax dripping from her cold blue lips means it’s already too late to save her…
On her first day back with the Denton PD after a major trauma, Detective Josie Quinn is on the hunt for a missing woman, Krystal Duncan, the mother of one of five children killed in a devastating school bus crash. Hours later, Josie finds Krystal’s body beside her daughter’s grave, her lips sealed together forever with wax.
Forensics match the wax to one of the candles lit in memory of the sweet little souls who died, giving Josie her first lead to a support group made up of the parents who lost children in the crash. Painstakingly dissecting the lives of these grieving couples, it’s clear to Josie that each of them is hiding something about the day of the accident—but whose secret is worth killing for?
The case takes an agonizing turn when the body of another young mother is found near the site of the bus crash. Someone connected to the accident is out for revenge. As the members of the support group are picked off one by one, every second counts for Josie to save the lives of these loving parents who have already suffered the loss of those they treasured most…
On her first day back with the Denton PD after a major trauma, Detective Josie Quinn is on the hunt for a missing woman, Krystal Duncan, the mother of one of five children killed in a devastating school bus crash. Hours later, Josie finds Krystal’s body beside her daughter’s grave, her lips sealed together forever with wax.
Forensics match the wax to one of the candles lit in memory of the sweet little souls who died, giving Josie her first lead to a support group made up of the parents who lost children in the crash. Painstakingly dissecting the lives of these grieving couples, it’s clear to Josie that each of them is hiding something about the day of the accident—but whose secret is worth killing for?
The case takes an agonizing turn when the body of another young mother is found near the site of the bus crash. Someone connected to the accident is out for revenge. As the members of the support group are picked off one by one, every second counts for Josie to save the lives of these loving parents who have already suffered the loss of those they treasured most…
306 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2021
2433 people are currently reading
2197 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Regan
35 books3,786 followersLisa Regan is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series as well as several other crime fiction titles. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers’ Association, and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter and Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip.
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August 12, 2021
Happy Publication Day!!!
"I thought about how there are two types of secrets: the kind you want to keep in, and the kind you don't dare to let out." - Ally Carter
Another solid and enjoyable book in the Josie Quinn series!
This book begins where Hush Little Girl ended. Josie has been on a break from her job but is ready to go back. While visiting her ex-husband Ray's grave, she comes across a woman who is reeling after discovering the body of woman kneeling at a gravestone. Krystal Duncan is the name of the dead woman. She is the mother of one of five children killed in a bus accident which devastated Denton.
What a way to get back to work after four months off. Following a lead, Josie and her team are led to the support group for the grieving parents whose children died in the horrific bus crash. Who would want to kill a grieving mother? Then another mother's body is found near the bus crash site. Why were these women targeted? As the team continues to investigate, they look at the bus crash, the parents and uncover secrets....
Whew! Regan has done it again! In this book we see Josie dealing with grief while doing her job. We see those closest to her showing concern and support to her. We also see her determination to catch a killer. Josie is a very hard working and dedicated detective who will stop at nothing to solve her cases and bring the guilty to justice. Although she is tough as nails, Regan continues to show Josie as a more vulnerable and fully fleshed out character. Loss and grief are the name of the game in this book. Josie's grief, the grief of the parents who lost their children and the Author's grief as she experienced a deeply personal loss while writing this book.
Most of the books in this series can be read as stand-alone books but I don't recommend it with this book as it picks up where book #11 leaves off. The team is back as along with a whole bunch of characters (and their secrets) in this book. I enjoyed being part of the investigation as I attempted to piece the clues together to solve the case along with the Denton PD.
This continues to be my go-to book series! Regan won me over with the first book in the series and I will be reading then as long as she writes. The character development, storylines and writing keep me invested, engaged and flipping those pages.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
**Buddy Read with DeAnn and Brenda! Thank you, Carolyn for joining us! Looking forward to book #13!
"I thought about how there are two types of secrets: the kind you want to keep in, and the kind you don't dare to let out." - Ally Carter
Another solid and enjoyable book in the Josie Quinn series!
This book begins where Hush Little Girl ended. Josie has been on a break from her job but is ready to go back. While visiting her ex-husband Ray's grave, she comes across a woman who is reeling after discovering the body of woman kneeling at a gravestone. Krystal Duncan is the name of the dead woman. She is the mother of one of five children killed in a bus accident which devastated Denton.
What a way to get back to work after four months off. Following a lead, Josie and her team are led to the support group for the grieving parents whose children died in the horrific bus crash. Who would want to kill a grieving mother? Then another mother's body is found near the bus crash site. Why were these women targeted? As the team continues to investigate, they look at the bus crash, the parents and uncover secrets....
Whew! Regan has done it again! In this book we see Josie dealing with grief while doing her job. We see those closest to her showing concern and support to her. We also see her determination to catch a killer. Josie is a very hard working and dedicated detective who will stop at nothing to solve her cases and bring the guilty to justice. Although she is tough as nails, Regan continues to show Josie as a more vulnerable and fully fleshed out character. Loss and grief are the name of the game in this book. Josie's grief, the grief of the parents who lost their children and the Author's grief as she experienced a deeply personal loss while writing this book.
Most of the books in this series can be read as stand-alone books but I don't recommend it with this book as it picks up where book #11 leaves off. The team is back as along with a whole bunch of characters (and their secrets) in this book. I enjoyed being part of the investigation as I attempted to piece the clues together to solve the case along with the Denton PD.
This continues to be my go-to book series! Regan won me over with the first book in the series and I will be reading then as long as she writes. The character development, storylines and writing keep me invested, engaged and flipping those pages.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
**Buddy Read with DeAnn and Brenda! Thank you, Carolyn for joining us! Looking forward to book #13!
July 28, 2021
Her Deadly Touch
by Lisa Regan brings murder, drama, grief, and suspense to a well-written and dramatic police procedural and crime thriller set in Denton, Pennsylvania. This is the twelfth book in the Detective Josie Quinn series and the third book that I have read by this author.
Josie is due to report back to work for the Denton police department tomorrow, but doesn’t feel ready for it. She decides to visit the grave of her first husband. While there, she hears a woman scream. When Josie investigates she finds Krystal Duncan’s body. Krystal has been missing for a few days and is the mother of one of five children that were killed in a school bus crash two years ago. Josie is partnered with Detective Gretchen Palmer; and the case immediately gets complicated.
Josie is a compelling character and someone you can root for. Her grief and guilt over the recent loss of a close family member, realistic and woven seamlessly into the story, makes her feel more relatable. The secondary characters providing support and conflict had varying degrees of depth, but enhanced the story rather than detracting from it. While there are a large number of characters to keep track of, it wasn’t difficult to keep them straight.
The plot is suspenseful, fresh, complex and entertaining, but also somewhat sad and shocking. There are plenty of plot twists and turns with several surprises. With a fast pace from scene to scene, and subplots that tie together well, the tension, stakes and action build up to an exciting and pulse-quickening dramatic ending. The prose is well-written and entertaining.
Once again, this author has brought mystery, family dynamics, grief, secrets, lies and much more to life in a page turner that kept me engaged throughout. Her ability to bring fresh approaches to an established genre and series are fantastic. She brings strong characters, complex plots, twists and turns, and excellent pacing to this series. My only quibble was with the few flashbacks that were included which I didn’t think were necessary.
Overall, I was hooked immediately in the first chapter and the pages kept turning. The novel had me trying to determine the killer before Josie. Will you figure out what is happening? I recommend this book to those that enjoy thrillers with an edge, great police procedurals and those that enjoy this series. While not absolutely necessary, I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Bookouture and Lisa Regan provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date was August 12, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Josie is due to report back to work for the Denton police department tomorrow, but doesn’t feel ready for it. She decides to visit the grave of her first husband. While there, she hears a woman scream. When Josie investigates she finds Krystal Duncan’s body. Krystal has been missing for a few days and is the mother of one of five children that were killed in a school bus crash two years ago. Josie is partnered with Detective Gretchen Palmer; and the case immediately gets complicated.
Josie is a compelling character and someone you can root for. Her grief and guilt over the recent loss of a close family member, realistic and woven seamlessly into the story, makes her feel more relatable. The secondary characters providing support and conflict had varying degrees of depth, but enhanced the story rather than detracting from it. While there are a large number of characters to keep track of, it wasn’t difficult to keep them straight.
The plot is suspenseful, fresh, complex and entertaining, but also somewhat sad and shocking. There are plenty of plot twists and turns with several surprises. With a fast pace from scene to scene, and subplots that tie together well, the tension, stakes and action build up to an exciting and pulse-quickening dramatic ending. The prose is well-written and entertaining.
Once again, this author has brought mystery, family dynamics, grief, secrets, lies and much more to life in a page turner that kept me engaged throughout. Her ability to bring fresh approaches to an established genre and series are fantastic. She brings strong characters, complex plots, twists and turns, and excellent pacing to this series. My only quibble was with the few flashbacks that were included which I didn’t think were necessary.
Overall, I was hooked immediately in the first chapter and the pages kept turning. The novel had me trying to determine the killer before Josie. Will you figure out what is happening? I recommend this book to those that enjoy thrillers with an edge, great police procedurals and those that enjoy this series. While not absolutely necessary, I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Bookouture and Lisa Regan provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date was August 12, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
July 26, 2021
Detective Josie Quinn has been on leave for four months following the tragic events that lead to the death of her grandmother Lisette, shot during her last case. Lisette brought her up and was still very much an important part of her life so her loss left a big hole in her life. Josie is not sure she’s ready to return to work, especially when her first case is a murder.
Krystal Duncan had been missing for three days before her body was found, next to her daughter Bianca’s headstone. Two years before, Bianca had been killed in a school bus crash along with four other students and Krystal’s marriage fell apart not long after. With no clues as to why she had been kidnapped and murdered, the police were making little headway in the investigation when a second mother of one of the dead children disappears.
This was another great murder mystery from Lisa Regan. Josie’s grief is still so raw for her and she struggles at work, still blaming herself for Lisette’s murder and finding it difficult to talk to anyone about it, including her psychologist. In some ways the murder case and interviewing the parents still grieving the deaths of their children helps her come to terms with her own grief. Josie is such a tough, resilient character that she is able to overcome her vulnerability due to grief and solve the case. Hopefully we’ll see her in a much better place in the next book. 4.5★
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to read
Krystal Duncan had been missing for three days before her body was found, next to her daughter Bianca’s headstone. Two years before, Bianca had been killed in a school bus crash along with four other students and Krystal’s marriage fell apart not long after. With no clues as to why she had been kidnapped and murdered, the police were making little headway in the investigation when a second mother of one of the dead children disappears.
This was another great murder mystery from Lisa Regan. Josie’s grief is still so raw for her and she struggles at work, still blaming herself for Lisette’s murder and finding it difficult to talk to anyone about it, including her psychologist. In some ways the murder case and interviewing the parents still grieving the deaths of their children helps her come to terms with her own grief. Josie is such a tough, resilient character that she is able to overcome her vulnerability due to grief and solve the case. Hopefully we’ll see her in a much better place in the next book. 4.5★
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to read
October 15, 2025
This is the twelfth book in the series and it begins about four months after the previous one ended. This is how long Detective Josie Quinn has been told to stay home while she recovers from the emotional trauma of her grandmother's death.
First day back and Josie stumbles across the body of a missing woman who was the mother of one of the children killed in a shocking school bus crash. As the story continues the death rate rises and it becomes a race to find the killer before more people lose their lives.
As always the story is so exciting that the pages seem to turn themselves. The characters are great too, especially Josie herself, Noah, and Gretchen. Looking forward to the next episode already!
First day back and Josie stumbles across the body of a missing woman who was the mother of one of the children killed in a shocking school bus crash. As the story continues the death rate rises and it becomes a race to find the killer before more people lose their lives.
As always the story is so exciting that the pages seem to turn themselves. The characters are great too, especially Josie herself, Noah, and Gretchen. Looking forward to the next episode already!
July 18, 2021
Two years ago an horrific accident claimed the lives of five high school students when the school bus rammed into a tree at high speed. One student, Heidi, and the driver, Virgil Lesko, survived. The six children on board were all due to get off the bus at the next and final stop. It was a terrible tragedy for the whole town.
In the present, one of the mothers, Dee Tenney, is visiting the graveyard when she sees the body of one of the other bereaved mothers, Krystal Duncan, in a kneeling posture, her mouth filled with wax, at the grave of her daughter, Bianca. It is a very strange tableau indeed. Josie catches the case just as she is due to return to work after struggling with the death of her beloved grandmother a few months ago in the previous book.
The Denton police department does all the usual things but makes no headway. Then one of the other mothers, Faye Palazzo disappears. Detectives fear the worst. Despite not knowing why or how it seems that the case revolves around the bus accident. The driver admitted to having had a drink before his shift (only the one) which should not have impaired him, yet he was also full of oxycodone which was a mystery to all concerned.
This is book 12 in the Detective Josie Quinn series and I’m pretty sure I’ve read them all. This story was certainly a twisty mystery. It seems that everyone involved has secrets and until the detective find out what they are they cannot solve the case. So we had lots of red herrings and misdirection which was all very well done. Nevertheless I didn’t think this was the best book by a long shot. The resolution seemed far fetched to me.
There were also a lot of characters and I had to constantly refer to my notes to keep them all straight. Accordingly, none of them were portrayed in depth although I did really like the one child who survived, Heidi. Poor Heidi, lived with only her father who was mostly at work. Yet she was a very observant girl. I doubt the case would have been solved without her valuable input! It was hard to get a feel for the parents as they were all still grieving so their odd behaviours could easily be explained that way. In the end, a lot of unsavoury secrets are revealed but, as I said, I found it a touch far fetched. I still enjoyed reading it and will certainly be reading the next book in this hugely enjoyable series. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a free copy which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly
3.5 stars rounded up.
In the present, one of the mothers, Dee Tenney, is visiting the graveyard when she sees the body of one of the other bereaved mothers, Krystal Duncan, in a kneeling posture, her mouth filled with wax, at the grave of her daughter, Bianca. It is a very strange tableau indeed. Josie catches the case just as she is due to return to work after struggling with the death of her beloved grandmother a few months ago in the previous book.
The Denton police department does all the usual things but makes no headway. Then one of the other mothers, Faye Palazzo disappears. Detectives fear the worst. Despite not knowing why or how it seems that the case revolves around the bus accident. The driver admitted to having had a drink before his shift (only the one) which should not have impaired him, yet he was also full of oxycodone which was a mystery to all concerned.
This is book 12 in the Detective Josie Quinn series and I’m pretty sure I’ve read them all. This story was certainly a twisty mystery. It seems that everyone involved has secrets and until the detective find out what they are they cannot solve the case. So we had lots of red herrings and misdirection which was all very well done. Nevertheless I didn’t think this was the best book by a long shot. The resolution seemed far fetched to me.
There were also a lot of characters and I had to constantly refer to my notes to keep them all straight. Accordingly, none of them were portrayed in depth although I did really like the one child who survived, Heidi. Poor Heidi, lived with only her father who was mostly at work. Yet she was a very observant girl. I doubt the case would have been solved without her valuable input! It was hard to get a feel for the parents as they were all still grieving so their odd behaviours could easily be explained that way. In the end, a lot of unsavoury secrets are revealed but, as I said, I found it a touch far fetched. I still enjoyed reading it and will certainly be reading the next book in this hugely enjoyable series. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a free copy which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly
3.5 stars rounded up.
July 23, 2021
4 Josie stars
This terrific series is now on installment #12! I continue to enjoy them and marvel that the author, Lisa Regan, continues to find ways to develop characters and give us a compelling mystery to solve at the same time.
Josie is a detective with the Denton Police Department and is still grieving after the death of her grandmother. She has taken a break from her job, but as often happens to Josie, trouble finds her! Josie is just about to go back to work when she stumbles across the body of a missing woman.
As Josie gets back to work, we learn about a horrific bus crash that happened a few years ago and sadly 5 children lost their lives. The missing woman was the mother of one of those children. As Josie and the other police officers investigate the case, they aren’t sure if the bus crash is part of motive or unrelated. And then another parent goes missing . . .
Josie doesn’t feel that she’s 100 percent on the job because of her grief and I found this to be very authentic and something that not a lot of authors address. That made this one a little different but continued to develop Josie’s character and make her feel like a real person!
There were quite a few characters in this one and I had to think through the ending, but it was another case of disturbing murders that Josie and her team solve. Another winning book in the series! And a winning buddy read with Debra and Brenda.
Thank you to Bookoutre and NetGalley for the early copy of this one to read. This one will be out next month, 8.12.21.
This terrific series is now on installment #12! I continue to enjoy them and marvel that the author, Lisa Regan, continues to find ways to develop characters and give us a compelling mystery to solve at the same time.
Josie is a detective with the Denton Police Department and is still grieving after the death of her grandmother. She has taken a break from her job, but as often happens to Josie, trouble finds her! Josie is just about to go back to work when she stumbles across the body of a missing woman.
As Josie gets back to work, we learn about a horrific bus crash that happened a few years ago and sadly 5 children lost their lives. The missing woman was the mother of one of those children. As Josie and the other police officers investigate the case, they aren’t sure if the bus crash is part of motive or unrelated. And then another parent goes missing . . .
Josie doesn’t feel that she’s 100 percent on the job because of her grief and I found this to be very authentic and something that not a lot of authors address. That made this one a little different but continued to develop Josie’s character and make her feel like a real person!
There were quite a few characters in this one and I had to think through the ending, but it was another case of disturbing murders that Josie and her team solve. Another winning book in the series! And a winning buddy read with Debra and Brenda.
Thank you to Bookoutre and NetGalley for the early copy of this one to read. This one will be out next month, 8.12.21.
August 16, 2021
Her Deadly Touch picks up where Hush Little Girl left off, and Josie is grieving after significant trauma in her personal life. Josie comes across a body that leads to a group of grieving parents who lost their children in a devastating bus crash. Another body is found dead, and it's looking like someone connected to the bus crash is out for revenge. Josie starts to investigate the parents of the crash, and secrets begin to come out about what happened on the day of the bus crash.
Lisa Regan throws a lot at Josie, and we see so many different sides to Josie because of that. That can get a little tiring and old after a while, but with Josie, she grows more with everything thrown at her, keeping her character from feeling tired as another side of her is fleshed out. But Josie doesn't do it alone; she continues to be surrounded by people who love and support her, and that is the heart of the series for me.
I loved how Lisa Regan weaves in Josie's, the parent's, and her personal grief and creates a heart-wrenching realistic exploration of grief while creating a mystery with plenty of twists and turns that kept me on my toes.
I read this one with my reading buddies Debra and DeAnn and after 12 books, this series is still going strong for all of us!! I am amazed with each one, I love Josie even more!!
Lisa Regan throws a lot at Josie, and we see so many different sides to Josie because of that. That can get a little tiring and old after a while, but with Josie, she grows more with everything thrown at her, keeping her character from feeling tired as another side of her is fleshed out. But Josie doesn't do it alone; she continues to be surrounded by people who love and support her, and that is the heart of the series for me.
I loved how Lisa Regan weaves in Josie's, the parent's, and her personal grief and creates a heart-wrenching realistic exploration of grief while creating a mystery with plenty of twists and turns that kept me on my toes.
I read this one with my reading buddies Debra and DeAnn and after 12 books, this series is still going strong for all of us!! I am amazed with each one, I love Josie even more!!
November 4, 2025
the setup…
Two years ago, five children were killed in a school bus accident, the driver Virgil Lesko impaired by drugs and alcohol. He’s currently awaiting trial and the families are still grieving the senseless loss. Detective Josie Quinn is on the last day of suspension resulting from her last case and visits the cemetery where her ex-husband is buried. She hears a scream from a woman who has happened upon the kneeling dead body of Krystal Duncan, the mother of one of the school bus victims and who was reported missing. She’s at her daughter’s grave and her lips are sealed with wax. Not soon after, another mother of one of the bus victims is found murdered in the exact same way.
the heart of the story…
The timing for Josie to get this kind of case couldn’t be worse as she’s still reeling from her own devastating loss. The case was baffling on so many levels as who would want to kill the grieving parents who had nothing to do with the upcoming trial. Clues are elusive and the case was an enigma because motives weren’t even clear. But as they explored each of the victims, all were harboring secrets, some that related to the day of the bus crash.
the narration…
Kate Handford continues to deliver a fine performance, especially with the storytelling. I’ll always listen to this series.
the bottom line…
This just might be the most convoluted case (in a good way) of the series to date. There were oodles of tangled webs of deceit, secrecy and subterfuge. I gave up trying to figure things out and just followed the story and Josie’s own healing. Just yet another compelling installment in this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Two years ago, five children were killed in a school bus accident, the driver Virgil Lesko impaired by drugs and alcohol. He’s currently awaiting trial and the families are still grieving the senseless loss. Detective Josie Quinn is on the last day of suspension resulting from her last case and visits the cemetery where her ex-husband is buried. She hears a scream from a woman who has happened upon the kneeling dead body of Krystal Duncan, the mother of one of the school bus victims and who was reported missing. She’s at her daughter’s grave and her lips are sealed with wax. Not soon after, another mother of one of the bus victims is found murdered in the exact same way.
the heart of the story…
The timing for Josie to get this kind of case couldn’t be worse as she’s still reeling from her own devastating loss. The case was baffling on so many levels as who would want to kill the grieving parents who had nothing to do with the upcoming trial. Clues are elusive and the case was an enigma because motives weren’t even clear. But as they explored each of the victims, all were harboring secrets, some that related to the day of the bus crash.
the narration…
Kate Handford continues to deliver a fine performance, especially with the storytelling. I’ll always listen to this series.
the bottom line…
This just might be the most convoluted case (in a good way) of the series to date. There were oodles of tangled webs of deceit, secrecy and subterfuge. I gave up trying to figure things out and just followed the story and Josie’s own healing. Just yet another compelling installment in this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
August 12, 2021
It was the day before Detective Josie Quinn was due back to work after a four month break and a trauma she didn’t think she’d ever recover from. At the local cemetery Josie heard a wild scream – the woman who had been missing for a few days had been found and the distraught and screaming young woman who had found her knew Krystal Duncan. With pink skin she looked alive, but the wax on her lips and the staring eyes told Josie it was too late. Josie was thrust back into work as she called her colleagues to attend…
Two years prior a drunk and drugged bus driver had killed five students on their way home from school as the bus crashed and rolled. He was now awaiting trial and the trauma the parents were feeling made their loss fresh once again. And as Josie and her team investigated the death of Krystal Duncan, who was a parent of one of those children as well as a member of the support group, horrifying facts were beginning to come together. When a second mother went missing and was found near the site of the bus crash, it was obvious someone was avenging the victims. But why? Did those parents hold secrets they didn’t want known? As Josie, Gretchen, Noah and Mett raced against the clock to keep those left alive, Josie’s own grief intruded at the most inopportune times.
Her Deadly Touch is the 12th in the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and once again I loved it! This author can do no wrong with this series in my humble opinion. The scenario was different this time, but no less captivating. The intense suspense, the gritty intrigue – all combined to create a chilling thriller which I highly recommend. And I’m looking forward to #13 already 😊
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Two years prior a drunk and drugged bus driver had killed five students on their way home from school as the bus crashed and rolled. He was now awaiting trial and the trauma the parents were feeling made their loss fresh once again. And as Josie and her team investigated the death of Krystal Duncan, who was a parent of one of those children as well as a member of the support group, horrifying facts were beginning to come together. When a second mother went missing and was found near the site of the bus crash, it was obvious someone was avenging the victims. But why? Did those parents hold secrets they didn’t want known? As Josie, Gretchen, Noah and Mett raced against the clock to keep those left alive, Josie’s own grief intruded at the most inopportune times.
Her Deadly Touch is the 12th in the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and once again I loved it! This author can do no wrong with this series in my humble opinion. The scenario was different this time, but no less captivating. The intense suspense, the gritty intrigue – all combined to create a chilling thriller which I highly recommend. And I’m looking forward to #13 already 😊
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2021
Detective Josie Quinn is one-day away from ending her four-month suspension from the force. She’s currently in therapy for trauma suffered on her last case—a double homicide that happened on her and Noah’s wedding day at their venue. Josie’s still grieving for her grandmother, who had been murdered during the course of that investigation.
While at the cemetery to visit her ex’s grave, Josie finds Krystal Duncan’s body, a mother missing for three days. She’s found sitting beside her daughter’s grave, her lips sealed with wax.
This case involves a school bus crash and the death of five children on board. Krystal Duncan was the mother of one of the children killed. Now a second bus mother is missing. Why are these mothers being targeted? Everyone is a possible crime suspect—the families of the victims all connecting in some way. This was an intense, heart-palpitating, suspensive ride! The police procedurals and dynamics between Josie and the squad were spot-on. No stone was left unturned.
This is an outstanding series - absolutely wonderful! Lisa Regan writes fresh, creative stories with jarring plot twists that just instantly draw me in and keep me entertained.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for kindly sharing a review copy with me. All opinions are my own.
While at the cemetery to visit her ex’s grave, Josie finds Krystal Duncan’s body, a mother missing for three days. She’s found sitting beside her daughter’s grave, her lips sealed with wax.
This case involves a school bus crash and the death of five children on board. Krystal Duncan was the mother of one of the children killed. Now a second bus mother is missing. Why are these mothers being targeted? Everyone is a possible crime suspect—the families of the victims all connecting in some way. This was an intense, heart-palpitating, suspensive ride! The police procedurals and dynamics between Josie and the squad were spot-on. No stone was left unturned.
This is an outstanding series - absolutely wonderful! Lisa Regan writes fresh, creative stories with jarring plot twists that just instantly draw me in and keep me entertained.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for kindly sharing a review copy with me. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2021
Another spectacular installment in the Josie Quinn series! Josie is still dealing with grief and guilt from the loss of her beloved grandmother in the previous book. The Grief and guilt are compounded by the fact that her first case back involves a murder. Two years ago there was a Dudley school bus crash that Killed six students and sent the bus driver to jail. Now it appears as though somebody is targeting the parents of these children. Why is somebody bringing even more grief into these family’s lives, what could the possible motivation be? Once again Josie and team are on the case. Josie was definitely struggling and it was nice to see everyone around her prop her up especially Noah.As in all Josie Quinn books I loved donning my detective hat and trying to puzzle the mystery together. This series is 12 books strong and keeps bedding better, can’t wait to see what’s next!
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 13, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is Josie Quinn #12. I have not read all the books in this series but did read Breathe Your Last and I was hooked!
Chapter one starts with school children Wallace, Bianca, and Frankie on the wall outside of school. They really don’t want to get on the school bus. The Principal comes and tells them to hurry along and get on the bus.
One student states.. But we were supposed to…
(Hmm… what?)
Josie has been out on suspension as well as bereavement. Her grandmother Lisette who basically raised Josie was murdered. Josie takes some non-police measures to find the murderer and thus gets herself suspended.
Lisette’s death is extremely hard on Josie. She only cases about her husband Noah and their little Boston terrier Trout. She has been in therapy and she knows she needs to get back to work.
The news is full of Krystal Duncan a young mother who is missing.
Krystal is found dead at the grave site of her little daughter Bianca. Yes! The apprehensive children plus two others in Chapter One died that evening in a bus crash driven by bus driver Virgil Lesko.
In addition to Krystal’s death another mom goes missing from the ‘West Denton Five’ and is found dead in almost the same circumstances.
At first I had a hard time keeping everyone clear in my mind - Here is a list of characters;
West Denton Five Families:
Bianca ~ Krystal Duncan
Wallace & Frankie ~ Nathan and Gloria Cammack
Gail ~ Dee and Miles Tenney ~
Nevin ~ Sebastian and Faye Palazzos’
Heidi Byrne survived the crash; she lives with her Dad, Corey. Heidi is adorable also a wealth of information to Josie
Another character is Ted Lesko son of Virgil.
These characters are all interesting character. But who did it?
Lisa Regan does not disappoint.
I always enjoy the author’s note! In this case the author’s note is “A Letter from Lisa”. She thanks us for reading her novel and then tells us that she tried to bring us a page-turner that will be nailing-biting entertainment.
Yep she did that! Looking forward to Josie and her next nail-biting case!
Lisa Regan also states that Josie’s grief is really her own. While writing this story her father passed suddenly. He was her rock!
Her ‘Acknowledgements are a story in itself!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 14, 2021.
This is Josie Quinn #12. I have not read all the books in this series but did read Breathe Your Last and I was hooked!
Chapter one starts with school children Wallace, Bianca, and Frankie on the wall outside of school. They really don’t want to get on the school bus. The Principal comes and tells them to hurry along and get on the bus.
One student states.. But we were supposed to…
(Hmm… what?)
Josie has been out on suspension as well as bereavement. Her grandmother Lisette who basically raised Josie was murdered. Josie takes some non-police measures to find the murderer and thus gets herself suspended.
Lisette’s death is extremely hard on Josie. She only cases about her husband Noah and their little Boston terrier Trout. She has been in therapy and she knows she needs to get back to work.
The news is full of Krystal Duncan a young mother who is missing.
Krystal is found dead at the grave site of her little daughter Bianca. Yes! The apprehensive children plus two others in Chapter One died that evening in a bus crash driven by bus driver Virgil Lesko.
In addition to Krystal’s death another mom goes missing from the ‘West Denton Five’ and is found dead in almost the same circumstances.
At first I had a hard time keeping everyone clear in my mind - Here is a list of characters;
West Denton Five Families:
Bianca ~ Krystal Duncan
Wallace & Frankie ~ Nathan and Gloria Cammack
Gail ~ Dee and Miles Tenney ~
Nevin ~ Sebastian and Faye Palazzos’
Heidi Byrne survived the crash; she lives with her Dad, Corey. Heidi is adorable also a wealth of information to Josie
Another character is Ted Lesko son of Virgil.
These characters are all interesting character. But who did it?
Lisa Regan does not disappoint.
I always enjoy the author’s note! In this case the author’s note is “A Letter from Lisa”. She thanks us for reading her novel and then tells us that she tried to bring us a page-turner that will be nailing-biting entertainment.
Yep she did that! Looking forward to Josie and her next nail-biting case!
Lisa Regan also states that Josie’s grief is really her own. While writing this story her father passed suddenly. He was her rock!
Her ‘Acknowledgements are a story in itself!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 14, 2021.
December 20, 2021
Grief
If only ...
Four months ago Josie's grandmother, Lisette, was murdered and Josie was suspended for insubordination. Tomorrow Josie is scheduled to return to work. But is she ready? This story takes place shortly after Hush Little Girl. She is in therapy and trying to come to terms with losing her grandmother and how it happened. Having nightmares. Asking herself what if she had handled the circumstances the night Lisette was shot differently. If only ...
Two years ago five children were killed in a devastating school bus crash. The bus hit a tree at high speed. Tragically the accident happened just before the final school bus stop. Only one student, Heidi Byrne, and the bus driver, Virgil Lesko, survived. The bus driver was impaired. He had alcohol and oxycodone in his system. His trial is about to start.
When the story opens Josie has just finished a session with her therapist and goes to visit the grave of her first husband, Ray. Suddenly she hears a woman screaming. She rushes to the spot where the woman is. Then Josie sees another woman kneeling at a grave. The woman on the ground is Krystal Duncan who has been missing for three days. The grave she is kneeling beside is that of her daughter, Bianca, one of the children killed in the school bus crash two years ago. Krystal is dead, murdered, and investigation will show that wax was poured down her throat.
Soon another mother of one of the children killed in the school bus crash is murdered too. Just like Krystal she is found kneeling on the ground and wax has been poured down her throat. Someone appears to be targeting parents of the children killed in the bus crash. Why and why now 2 years after the tragedy just as the trial of Virgil Lesko is about to start? Josie and her team delve into the lives of the parents and start unlocking their secrets and finding new information surrounding the events that fateful day and the bus accident.
This story is all about loss and grief. How different people handle it. Everyone is different but one thing is certain. Grief can overwhelm and destroy lives. Especially when a child dies. People ask themselves "If only ..." a lot. But "If only ... " doesn't change anything. Josie understands this all too well. But, while dealing with her own grief she needs to stop a murderer before anyone else becomes a victim.
Another page turning thriller from Lisa Regan. With each new entry in the series you become more vested in the characters ... Josie, Noah, Gretchen. Looking forward to reading The Drowning Girls
If only ...
Four months ago Josie's grandmother, Lisette, was murdered and Josie was suspended for insubordination. Tomorrow Josie is scheduled to return to work. But is she ready? This story takes place shortly after Hush Little Girl. She is in therapy and trying to come to terms with losing her grandmother and how it happened. Having nightmares. Asking herself what if she had handled the circumstances the night Lisette was shot differently. If only ...
Two years ago five children were killed in a devastating school bus crash. The bus hit a tree at high speed. Tragically the accident happened just before the final school bus stop. Only one student, Heidi Byrne, and the bus driver, Virgil Lesko, survived. The bus driver was impaired. He had alcohol and oxycodone in his system. His trial is about to start.
When the story opens Josie has just finished a session with her therapist and goes to visit the grave of her first husband, Ray. Suddenly she hears a woman screaming. She rushes to the spot where the woman is. Then Josie sees another woman kneeling at a grave. The woman on the ground is Krystal Duncan who has been missing for three days. The grave she is kneeling beside is that of her daughter, Bianca, one of the children killed in the school bus crash two years ago. Krystal is dead, murdered, and investigation will show that wax was poured down her throat.
Soon another mother of one of the children killed in the school bus crash is murdered too. Just like Krystal she is found kneeling on the ground and wax has been poured down her throat. Someone appears to be targeting parents of the children killed in the bus crash. Why and why now 2 years after the tragedy just as the trial of Virgil Lesko is about to start? Josie and her team delve into the lives of the parents and start unlocking their secrets and finding new information surrounding the events that fateful day and the bus accident.
This story is all about loss and grief. How different people handle it. Everyone is different but one thing is certain. Grief can overwhelm and destroy lives. Especially when a child dies. People ask themselves "If only ..." a lot. But "If only ... " doesn't change anything. Josie understands this all too well. But, while dealing with her own grief she needs to stop a murderer before anyone else becomes a victim.
Another page turning thriller from Lisa Regan. With each new entry in the series you become more vested in the characters ... Josie, Noah, Gretchen. Looking forward to reading The Drowning Girls
August 19, 2021
I received a free e-copy of Her Deadly Touch (Detective Josie Quinn #12) by Lisa Regan from NetGalley for my honest review.
This is my absolute favorite series right now! The books keep coming and I can't wait for the next one each time. They just keep getting better and I absolutely love them. A tale of murder, suspense, mystery and grief that you just can't put down.
This is my absolute favorite series right now! The books keep coming and I can't wait for the next one each time. They just keep getting better and I absolutely love them. A tale of murder, suspense, mystery and grief that you just can't put down.
July 23, 2021
Denton Police Department Detective Josie Quinn has a trauma-filled background that's left her with nightmares and regular meetings with a psychologist, but ready or not, she's back on the job after a four-month suspension. Thoughts of tiptoeing in are stomped by the discovery of a dead woman in the local cemetery; she was found next to the headstone of her daughter, who was one of five children killed in a school bus crash two years earlier. A suicide? Doubtful, since the woman's lips are sealed with some kind of wax and the body appears to have been carefully positioned there.
Although clues are few and far between, Josie and her team, including her husband, police Lt. Noah Fraley, suspect the murder is somehow related to that bus crash; the driver, who's in jail, will go on trial shortly. As they follow leads - some going absolutely nowhere - they begin to realize that most of the parents of the dead children have secrets that could be related to the crash. Then, the worst happens; the body of another mother is discovered near the crash site - her mouth also sealed with wax.
Throughout the story, Josie continues to grapple with her emotions following the death of her beloved grandmother - a death for which Josie feels responsibility. Noah, and her department friend Gretchen, remain supportive, helping her deal with her loss while staying focused on solving the horrific crimes (and, hopefully, preventing even more from happening).
I've read some of the more recent books in this series (this is the 12th) - all good, but IMHO, this is one of the best. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Recommended!
Although clues are few and far between, Josie and her team, including her husband, police Lt. Noah Fraley, suspect the murder is somehow related to that bus crash; the driver, who's in jail, will go on trial shortly. As they follow leads - some going absolutely nowhere - they begin to realize that most of the parents of the dead children have secrets that could be related to the crash. Then, the worst happens; the body of another mother is discovered near the crash site - her mouth also sealed with wax.
Throughout the story, Josie continues to grapple with her emotions following the death of her beloved grandmother - a death for which Josie feels responsibility. Noah, and her department friend Gretchen, remain supportive, helping her deal with her loss while staying focused on solving the horrific crimes (and, hopefully, preventing even more from happening).
I've read some of the more recent books in this series (this is the 12th) - all good, but IMHO, this is one of the best. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Recommended!
August 2, 2021
I like Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn detective series; this is the 12th in the series, the fifth I have read.
Josie is still fragile after losing her beloved grandmother in the last book’s case. Returning to work after a leave, she is perhaps not as strong as she has been in the past and more vulnerable, but every bit as intelligent and competent. The plot and subplots are a bit complex, but do tie together. Everyone, it seems, has a secret, so there are lots of red herrings and twists. There are a number of characters, but each one is distinct enough to not be confusing.
As Josie deals with her loss (and the author copes with her own loss while writing this book), grief and especially the guilt that can accompany it are threaded throughout. If only we could deal with the “if only” in our lives.
Fast paced, I didn’t want to put this book down. Although I thought this one was a bit of a stretch, I still enjoyed it.
I always appreciate revisiting the repeating characters in Josie’s life. Although this would work as a stand alone, I think it will be appreciated more by those who have read others in the series and are familiar with Josie’s personal story.
If you like police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with Lisa Regan, I would recommend her. I can’t wait for the next one!
Josie is still fragile after losing her beloved grandmother in the last book’s case. Returning to work after a leave, she is perhaps not as strong as she has been in the past and more vulnerable, but every bit as intelligent and competent. The plot and subplots are a bit complex, but do tie together. Everyone, it seems, has a secret, so there are lots of red herrings and twists. There are a number of characters, but each one is distinct enough to not be confusing.
As Josie deals with her loss (and the author copes with her own loss while writing this book), grief and especially the guilt that can accompany it are threaded throughout. If only we could deal with the “if only” in our lives.
Fast paced, I didn’t want to put this book down. Although I thought this one was a bit of a stretch, I still enjoyed it.
I always appreciate revisiting the repeating characters in Josie’s life. Although this would work as a stand alone, I think it will be appreciated more by those who have read others in the series and are familiar with Josie’s personal story.
If you like police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with Lisa Regan, I would recommend her. I can’t wait for the next one!
August 7, 2021
Her Deadly Touch by Lisa Regan is the 12th in the Detective Josie Quinn series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Josie Quinn has had a rough life, and she recently lost her beloved grandmother. She has a rather new family, including her twin sister - news reporter Trinity Payne, as well as her brother Patrick. She is now back at work with the Denton Police Department, and her team consists of Detective Noah Fraley (her new husband), Detective Gretchen Palmer, and Detective Finn Mettner. Their boss is Chief Bob Chitwood.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Josie is returning to work after a 4 month leave of absence to deal with the death of her grandmother. Her therapist could probably help her more if Josie actually spoke during her sessions.
She's not even back to work yet when she finds the body of Krystal Duncan who has been missing for days. Krystal was the mother of one of the 5 children who died in a bus accident two years ago. She is found kneeling at the gravesite of her dead daughter, and rigor has recently set in. There is wax on her lips and a word written on the inside of her arm. On further investigation, it appears that her death may lead back to what happened on that fateful day when her daughter died. When another one of the mother's is found dead, it becomes evident that there is a link to that crash.
My Opinions:
Please, read these books in order, as there is so much back-story to Josie's childhood, and her relationship with her grandmother that is really needed in this one...not to mention the events that occurred in the last book.
The plot of this one was really good, and I liked how the author tied each piece of evidence to the previous one. The trail of breadcrumbs moved quickly, and the short chapters helped to keep the pace moving.
I also liked how the author handled the topic of grief, and the fact that Josie didn't just get over her grandmother's death. It made her feel more real. As well, the other characters let her alone to deal with it, although they did offer their compassion, each in their own way. This was done really well. I believe it felt so real because the author used her own grief on the death of her father to write this.
There were lots of suspects to choose from, and I guessed wrong again! Lisa Regan, you are becoming my hero!
Anyway, looking forward to the next book!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 11, 2021
Her Deadly Touch is the twelfth instalment in the Detective Josie Quinn series, and it still shows no signs of flagging. Josie is relieved to be back at work after a period of enforced leave giving her the time to grief after the sad passing of her grandmother months earlier. Her first case back after 4 months is one related to a local tragedy that occurred two years ago—a terrifying road traffic accident. The school bus had been winding its way around town when it collided with a tree at high speed, killing five of the young high school students aboard. The bus driver, Virgil Lesko, and one of the student passengers, Heidi, managed to survive their ordeal, and although this was a blessing in itself, what made the accident even more tragic was that the six youngsters who had died, had all been due to alight the bus at the next stop as it was the final stop on that particular route. For such a small town and tight-knit community, it broke everyone and the people remained in mourning for quite some time; it was an incident they would never forget. Meanwhile, back in the present day, Dee Tenney, the unfortunate mother to one of the deceased, is visiting the cemetery when she discovers the body of another of the mothers, Krystal Duncan.
She is found kneeling in an odd position, her mouth full of wax and in close proximity to her daughter Bianca’s grave. Denton PD certainly agree that it is a bizarre scene and begin their investigation into what happened. But the clues and leads are few and far between making it difficult. Then Faye Palazzo, yet another of the crash victims’ mothers vanishes. Can the police work out why those related to the bus incident are being targeted, and why? This is another scintillating addition to a brilliant series written by a bestselling crime writer who knows exactly how to provide the thrills and chills the reader desires. It makes for absorbing reading and the case is a complex one full of sabotage but the team's banter offsets the dark plot. The action never stops, there are no dull moments throughout and I admit I was flying rapidly through the pages. There are twists and turns aplenty and the plot is dramatic, intense and exciting, add to that characters who are exceptionally painted and you've got yourself a superb procedural. This will undoubtedly have long-time fans riveted but will also appeal to new readers too. A totally engrossing and compulsively readable story, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
She is found kneeling in an odd position, her mouth full of wax and in close proximity to her daughter Bianca’s grave. Denton PD certainly agree that it is a bizarre scene and begin their investigation into what happened. But the clues and leads are few and far between making it difficult. Then Faye Palazzo, yet another of the crash victims’ mothers vanishes. Can the police work out why those related to the bus incident are being targeted, and why? This is another scintillating addition to a brilliant series written by a bestselling crime writer who knows exactly how to provide the thrills and chills the reader desires. It makes for absorbing reading and the case is a complex one full of sabotage but the team's banter offsets the dark plot. The action never stops, there are no dull moments throughout and I admit I was flying rapidly through the pages. There are twists and turns aplenty and the plot is dramatic, intense and exciting, add to that characters who are exceptionally painted and you've got yourself a superb procedural. This will undoubtedly have long-time fans riveted but will also appeal to new readers too. A totally engrossing and compulsively readable story, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
December 29, 2024
Denton Police Department has been hunting for Krystal Duncan for almost a week. She disappeared from her home and hasn't been seen since...that is until Detective Josie Quinn finds Krystal's body in a cemetery sitting near her daughter's grave. Krystal's lips are sealed together with wax. Evidence on the body points back two years to a devastating school bus accident that killed five children, one of them Krystal's daughter. As Josie and her team interview the grieving parents, they learn that each parent is keeping secrets from the day of the accident. Are any of these secrets worth killing for?
This story picks up about four months after the last. Josie is grieving the loss of a family member. It's her first day back to work when she finds Krystal's body. The story deals with Josie's grief, and the grief of the parents who lost their children in the bus crash.
The suspects are plentiful in this book; and the secrets are crazy. These people had more secrets than the characters of General Hospital and Days of Our Lives put together. I had to take notes to keep track of everything that came to light. I had a theory about the identity of the killer, but I was way off base. The killer was a big surprise for me. My rating: 5 Stars.
This story picks up about four months after the last. Josie is grieving the loss of a family member. It's her first day back to work when she finds Krystal's body. The story deals with Josie's grief, and the grief of the parents who lost their children in the bus crash.
The suspects are plentiful in this book; and the secrets are crazy. These people had more secrets than the characters of General Hospital and Days of Our Lives put together. I had to take notes to keep track of everything that came to light. I had a theory about the identity of the killer, but I was way off base. The killer was a big surprise for me. My rating: 5 Stars.
June 4, 2021
If you hadn’t already decided that Lisa Regan is the new Queen of Suspense, Her Deadly Touch will seal the deal for you. Normally, I start my reviews with sit down, buckle up, and get ready for a roller coaster ride, but this book has a much different feel to it than the previous eleven. Yes, it’s a roller coaster ride, but not like the ones you’re used to from Lisa Regan. I apologize ahead of time if this review is slightly rambling, but you’ll understand why once you read the book.
Josie is coming off suspension after her grandmother’s death. She’s lost in her grief still, and for the first time in her life, she doesn’t care about work. She’s reluctantly sucked into the case of the missing woman on her first day back in the squad room. Krystal, the mother of one of the West Denton Five, was missing. Who was the West Denton Five? They were five children killed in a bus crash two years before the opening of this book. When the book opened, the bus driver was going to trial for their deaths and the entire group of parents who lost children was reliving their worst nightmare…so was Josie.
Constantly confronted by nightmares of what happened to her grandmother compounded by her grief, Josie was barely holding it together. Every time she was faced with someone else’s pain she nearly crumbled but managed to pull herself back together each time to puzzle out the new thread tied to the next missing person, and eventually, found bodies. As always with Lisa’s books, the suspense and mystery plotline are an intricate spiderweb that spans from the first page to the last. Josie was struggling with the two words ‘if only’ after losing her grandmother. If only she had insisted Lisette go back to the hotel. Those words were so tiny, but they packed a punch that kept hitting Josie over and over until she harnessed their power to help the team solve this mystery before more bodies piled up.
Gretchen, Mettner, Fraley, Amber, and even the chief, all see the difference in Josie and while they still call her ‘boss’ and look to her for the strong guiding hand she always offers the team, there was a softness to the way they approached her in this adventure. Noah, of course, was her rock, and Lisette’s death bonded them together as both now seeing the world through the grief of losing a mother to violence. Noah’s gentleness with Josie was sweet, but it was Gretchen that broke me in this book. She loves Josie so much, and it killed her to see her in so much pain with little she could do. I really felt for Gretchen because I feel the same way every time I talk with Lisa and know I can do nothing to ease her pain after losing her father. I can listen, I can say things that in the end will mean absolutely nothing, and I can keep reminding her to put one foot in front of the other because that’s what Billy would want, but like Gretchen, I can’t make it better. For Josie’s team, they struggled with that as much as Josie struggled with her guilt, shame, and pain of how Lisette left this world.
The suspense plot in this book was superb as it always is, and for the first time, Lisa got me. I had no idea who the bad guy was and that really threw me. I ALWAYS know, but I was absolutely wrong this time.
That said, this book was also emotionally superb. Josie is mired in her grief as the book opens. I’ll be real, it’s hard as hell to read Josie’s inner thoughts knowing a lot of those thoughts are also Lisa’s as she’s faced with writing a book about grief in the middle of her grief, BUT…but. As I read, I pictured Billy standing over her shoulder as she typed, his hand on her shoulder, telling her “I couldn’t stay here forever. We all knew that…but you’re still here. Make it count. Go to work.” And she went to work. She took a seasoned detective and broke her down into a real, breathing, broken character we all just want to hug and tell her it will be okay. Maybe not today or even tomorrow, but one day, you’ll remember more of the good memories. While that gaping hole will always be there, it will be easier to fill it with the middle than the end, because no one ever gets a happy ending.
I hope this review in its honesty makes you want to pick up this novel, take a breath, crack open the spine, and live Josie’s experience. If book eleven broke you, book twelve will too, but in a different way that tells you we’re all going to be okay. Even without Lisette, Josie will go on and change the world because Lisa is doing the same. Kudos, my friend, even faced with an insurmountable amount of grief, not to mention so many family situations and tasks to deal with, you finished this book for your readers in startling brilliance. You’ve proven yourself to be the queen of suspense once again, and I hope that little voice stays in your mind because we need more of your work.
Josie is coming off suspension after her grandmother’s death. She’s lost in her grief still, and for the first time in her life, she doesn’t care about work. She’s reluctantly sucked into the case of the missing woman on her first day back in the squad room. Krystal, the mother of one of the West Denton Five, was missing. Who was the West Denton Five? They were five children killed in a bus crash two years before the opening of this book. When the book opened, the bus driver was going to trial for their deaths and the entire group of parents who lost children was reliving their worst nightmare…so was Josie.
Constantly confronted by nightmares of what happened to her grandmother compounded by her grief, Josie was barely holding it together. Every time she was faced with someone else’s pain she nearly crumbled but managed to pull herself back together each time to puzzle out the new thread tied to the next missing person, and eventually, found bodies. As always with Lisa’s books, the suspense and mystery plotline are an intricate spiderweb that spans from the first page to the last. Josie was struggling with the two words ‘if only’ after losing her grandmother. If only she had insisted Lisette go back to the hotel. Those words were so tiny, but they packed a punch that kept hitting Josie over and over until she harnessed their power to help the team solve this mystery before more bodies piled up.
Gretchen, Mettner, Fraley, Amber, and even the chief, all see the difference in Josie and while they still call her ‘boss’ and look to her for the strong guiding hand she always offers the team, there was a softness to the way they approached her in this adventure. Noah, of course, was her rock, and Lisette’s death bonded them together as both now seeing the world through the grief of losing a mother to violence. Noah’s gentleness with Josie was sweet, but it was Gretchen that broke me in this book. She loves Josie so much, and it killed her to see her in so much pain with little she could do. I really felt for Gretchen because I feel the same way every time I talk with Lisa and know I can do nothing to ease her pain after losing her father. I can listen, I can say things that in the end will mean absolutely nothing, and I can keep reminding her to put one foot in front of the other because that’s what Billy would want, but like Gretchen, I can’t make it better. For Josie’s team, they struggled with that as much as Josie struggled with her guilt, shame, and pain of how Lisette left this world.
The suspense plot in this book was superb as it always is, and for the first time, Lisa got me. I had no idea who the bad guy was and that really threw me. I ALWAYS know, but I was absolutely wrong this time.
That said, this book was also emotionally superb. Josie is mired in her grief as the book opens. I’ll be real, it’s hard as hell to read Josie’s inner thoughts knowing a lot of those thoughts are also Lisa’s as she’s faced with writing a book about grief in the middle of her grief, BUT…but. As I read, I pictured Billy standing over her shoulder as she typed, his hand on her shoulder, telling her “I couldn’t stay here forever. We all knew that…but you’re still here. Make it count. Go to work.” And she went to work. She took a seasoned detective and broke her down into a real, breathing, broken character we all just want to hug and tell her it will be okay. Maybe not today or even tomorrow, but one day, you’ll remember more of the good memories. While that gaping hole will always be there, it will be easier to fill it with the middle than the end, because no one ever gets a happy ending.
I hope this review in its honesty makes you want to pick up this novel, take a breath, crack open the spine, and live Josie’s experience. If book eleven broke you, book twelve will too, but in a different way that tells you we’re all going to be okay. Even without Lisette, Josie will go on and change the world because Lisa is doing the same. Kudos, my friend, even faced with an insurmountable amount of grief, not to mention so many family situations and tasks to deal with, you finished this book for your readers in startling brilliance. You’ve proven yourself to be the queen of suspense once again, and I hope that little voice stays in your mind because we need more of your work.
May 17, 2024
Sorry, but a poor series entry for me. Hoping the next installment has a stronger storyline and less whining!
December 3, 2024
Another stunning story in a fantastic series! Author Lisa Regan is among the best at characterizations and unforeseen plot twists. I love that her stories always touch on dark subjects with emotional turmoil and yet there's always a ray of hope in the end. Highly recommended!
August 17, 2021
Her Deadly Touch is the 12th installment of the Josie Quinn mystery series. For those of you that have been following this series, it is perhaps the most vulnerable that we have seen our heroine. Josie is still traumatized by her grandmother's death. Now she's investigating the murder of a grieving mother. Her Deadly Touch can be read as a standalone as Regan gives sufficient background into the last case and Josie's backstory for new readers to pick it up easily. As usual, Regan doles out healthy portions of intrigue to keep new and old fans alike riveted to their seats. Her Deadly Touch was fast-paced, fun read. I cannot wait for the next in the series.
July 17, 2021
Publication day 12th Aug 2021
Josie Quinn is back again book number 12!! IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOKS 1 TO 11 THEN DO! Plus don't read read ky review as spoilers for previous books.
On the haunt for a missing woman Josie unfortunately finds her but she's dead. More people start to disappear. She thinks there must be a link espically as she was found on her daughters grave. As mire people go missing it's a race against the clock to find the killer.
As always you can expect a great investigation and Josie to be on top form and I wasn't let down. Josie is still grieving the loss of her gran and you definitely feel even as a reader it was interesting this book we spend very little time with Noah and I must admit I did miss him! Espically as they are nearly weds I had expected to have more of him in the book so I was a bit sad not to.
Josie as well as trying to find the bad guy is also refreshing herself with the case of the bud crash. It's written do well because the crash clearly was a very quick thing, yet we gets snippets of it throughout the story which really helps us build a picture of the killings. It was just great to read.
The investigation is very easy to follow and I loved the idea of 'what if' it was a really gr8 psychological question in regards to the crime itself. Was fascinating. It's a question we have all asked ourselves at least once in our lives so it was great to read a book which is centred around the questions.
Josie's personal journey is as always great to read. She is still feeling guilty about the death of her gran. So her continual time with her therapist is great as I quite like her as a character as well!
I am normally on the ball when it comes to finding the bad guy but I had no idea at all. I loved the usual twist and the story itself was just written so well. As always I loved the epilogue!!
All on all this wasn't my favourite book of the series but its still a sound 4 stars. As always its gripping and a fast read, I couldn't put it down!! I must admit I'm so excited for book number 13!
Thanks yo Netgalley, Bookature publishers and Lisa Regan for the digital advance copy of Her Deadly Touch in exchange for my fair and honest review. 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Josie Quinn is back again book number 12!! IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOKS 1 TO 11 THEN DO! Plus don't read read ky review as spoilers for previous books.
On the haunt for a missing woman Josie unfortunately finds her but she's dead. More people start to disappear. She thinks there must be a link espically as she was found on her daughters grave. As mire people go missing it's a race against the clock to find the killer.
As always you can expect a great investigation and Josie to be on top form and I wasn't let down. Josie is still grieving the loss of her gran and you definitely feel even as a reader it was interesting this book we spend very little time with Noah and I must admit I did miss him! Espically as they are nearly weds I had expected to have more of him in the book so I was a bit sad not to.
Josie as well as trying to find the bad guy is also refreshing herself with the case of the bud crash. It's written do well because the crash clearly was a very quick thing, yet we gets snippets of it throughout the story which really helps us build a picture of the killings. It was just great to read.
The investigation is very easy to follow and I loved the idea of 'what if' it was a really gr8 psychological question in regards to the crime itself. Was fascinating. It's a question we have all asked ourselves at least once in our lives so it was great to read a book which is centred around the questions.
Josie's personal journey is as always great to read. She is still feeling guilty about the death of her gran. So her continual time with her therapist is great as I quite like her as a character as well!
I am normally on the ball when it comes to finding the bad guy but I had no idea at all. I loved the usual twist and the story itself was just written so well. As always I loved the epilogue!!
All on all this wasn't my favourite book of the series but its still a sound 4 stars. As always its gripping and a fast read, I couldn't put it down!! I must admit I'm so excited for book number 13!
Thanks yo Netgalley, Bookature publishers and Lisa Regan for the digital advance copy of Her Deadly Touch in exchange for my fair and honest review. 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 1, 2022
*Silencing Victims*
**4.5 Stars**
This instalment see Josie trying to move forward with her life after the devastating murder of one of her loved ones. Due to some of her actions in that case she was suspended.
Her first day back at work sees her looking for the mother of one of the victims of a school bus crash. Later that day Josie finds the woman’s body by her daughter’s grave, the woman has been posed as if in prayer, her mouth has wax dripping from her lips.
As Josie and her team try to unpick the case another body is found and the link between the victims and the surviving parents become clear. Now they need to hunt to protect the other surviving relatives and secrets about each victims are being exposed by the murderers
The race is on and at the same time Josie is struggling with her inner demons, will she ever come close to cooperating with the help that is given? …..
**4.5 Stars**
This instalment see Josie trying to move forward with her life after the devastating murder of one of her loved ones. Due to some of her actions in that case she was suspended.
Her first day back at work sees her looking for the mother of one of the victims of a school bus crash. Later that day Josie finds the woman’s body by her daughter’s grave, the woman has been posed as if in prayer, her mouth has wax dripping from her lips.
As Josie and her team try to unpick the case another body is found and the link between the victims and the surviving parents become clear. Now they need to hunt to protect the other surviving relatives and secrets about each victims are being exposed by the murderers
The race is on and at the same time Josie is struggling with her inner demons, will she ever come close to cooperating with the help that is given? …..
August 15, 2021
Five children died when their school bus, driven by a man who had been drinking and taking drugs, crashes the bus.
Detective Josie Quinn has been on bereavement leave for several months after her beloved grandmother was shot and killed. Still reeling from her death, and blaming herself, she's been under the care of a therapist.
She's one day away to return to work when she hears a scream. What she finds is a woman who has been missing for several days. She was the mother of one of the five children who were killed in the bus crash.
She begins her investigation by looking at the support group made up of the parents who had lost their children in the same accident as her child. Twp years after the fact, and the parents are still grieving.. still angry at the bus driver, now in jail and waiting for his court date.
And than another mother is found near the site of the bus crash. Someone connected to the accident is out for revenge. Will the remaining parents be picked off one at a time until they are all dead?
Extremely well-written, the suspense starts on the first page and maintains a high level thought out until the final unexpected conclusion. Characters are solidly drawn, warts and all. Seems like everyone has a secret related to the bus crash. Josie and her team will work hard to bring those secrets out and expose them to the light. It's a police procedural of the highest caliber. Although 12th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, this has been a super series and i would recommend reading in order. Each of this author's books are better than the last ... and that' s saying a lot.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/police procedural. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Detective Josie Quinn has been on bereavement leave for several months after her beloved grandmother was shot and killed. Still reeling from her death, and blaming herself, she's been under the care of a therapist.
She's one day away to return to work when she hears a scream. What she finds is a woman who has been missing for several days. She was the mother of one of the five children who were killed in the bus crash.
She begins her investigation by looking at the support group made up of the parents who had lost their children in the same accident as her child. Twp years after the fact, and the parents are still grieving.. still angry at the bus driver, now in jail and waiting for his court date.
And than another mother is found near the site of the bus crash. Someone connected to the accident is out for revenge. Will the remaining parents be picked off one at a time until they are all dead?
Extremely well-written, the suspense starts on the first page and maintains a high level thought out until the final unexpected conclusion. Characters are solidly drawn, warts and all. Seems like everyone has a secret related to the bus crash. Josie and her team will work hard to bring those secrets out and expose them to the light. It's a police procedural of the highest caliber. Although 12th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. However, this has been a super series and i would recommend reading in order. Each of this author's books are better than the last ... and that' s saying a lot.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/police procedural. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 12, 2021
Thanks to the Bookouture and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book for which this is my honest review.
This is the twelfth Detective Josie Quinn Book
An amazing read, please take a look.
Following the dramatic end of Hush Little Girl
Poor Josie is grief stricken and in a whirl.
The death of her Gran has left her unsure
But she’s due back on duty tomorrow, can she endure?
However, she’s there when a woman’s body is found
Posed, kneeling by her daughter’s grave, on the ground.
The daughter was killed in a bus crash along with four more
All lived nearby and justice is what their parents are looking for.
The driver is due in court very soon but as Josie finds
The parents all seem to have secrets of different kinds.
When another Mum goes missing, there’s feeling of dread
Especially when she, too, turns up, dead.
Is someone out for revenge of some sort?
Are they pre-empting what may be revealed in court?
This is a grief filled investigation for Josie and everyone
But coping is hard as the feelings aren’t gone.
It is a moving story of loss and trying to cope
When the loss of loved ones can mean losing hope.
This is a moving addition to this series that’s great
Another page turner that means I cannot wait
To read the next story in which I hope to see
Noah and Josie can happier be.
For my copy of this book for which this is my honest review.
This is the twelfth Detective Josie Quinn Book
An amazing read, please take a look.
Following the dramatic end of Hush Little Girl
Poor Josie is grief stricken and in a whirl.
The death of her Gran has left her unsure
But she’s due back on duty tomorrow, can she endure?
However, she’s there when a woman’s body is found
Posed, kneeling by her daughter’s grave, on the ground.
The daughter was killed in a bus crash along with four more
All lived nearby and justice is what their parents are looking for.
The driver is due in court very soon but as Josie finds
The parents all seem to have secrets of different kinds.
When another Mum goes missing, there’s feeling of dread
Especially when she, too, turns up, dead.
Is someone out for revenge of some sort?
Are they pre-empting what may be revealed in court?
This is a grief filled investigation for Josie and everyone
But coping is hard as the feelings aren’t gone.
It is a moving story of loss and trying to cope
When the loss of loved ones can mean losing hope.
This is a moving addition to this series that’s great
Another page turner that means I cannot wait
To read the next story in which I hope to see
Noah and Josie can happier be.
August 9, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Her Deadly Touch, the twelfth novel to feature Detective Josie Quinn of the Denton, Pennsylvania PD.
Josie is returning to work after a long suspension and is immediately thrust into the investigation of the murder of Krystal Duncan, who was found posed on the grave of her daughter, one of five children killed in a bus crash. Is the murder linked to the crash or is it something else? When another mother of one of the dead children goes missing Josie is sure it links back to the crash.
I enjoyed Her Deadly Touch, which offers an engrossing mystery of who and why. It’s not just about the present day murder as the bus crash also throws up questions that need answers.
The novel is mostly told from Josie’s point of view, with the occasional flashback to the children’s last minutes. I don’t think the flashbacks add much to the narrative except to highlight the erratic driver and the children’s fear and both of these are recurrent in the narrative. Josie’s narrative lets the reader live the investigation with her, so all developments and reveals are a surprise and there are plenty as each character has secrets.
The novel could equally be titled If Only, as it’s all about missed opportunities to avert catastrophe in the form of the bus crash. I understand that the author is trying show Josie that the if only game is for mugs, in light of her self recrimination at recent events, but it gets messy and could have been handled more subtly, rather than with the metaphorical cudgel used.
Still, the novel held my interest throughout. Who would have guessed there could be so many interconnecting secrets in such a small group of people? It’s clever the way they link together individually to build a bigger picture. If only…
And no, I didn’t guess the perpetrator and still don’t really get the motive.
Her Deadly Touch is a good read that I can recommend.
Josie is returning to work after a long suspension and is immediately thrust into the investigation of the murder of Krystal Duncan, who was found posed on the grave of her daughter, one of five children killed in a bus crash. Is the murder linked to the crash or is it something else? When another mother of one of the dead children goes missing Josie is sure it links back to the crash.
I enjoyed Her Deadly Touch, which offers an engrossing mystery of who and why. It’s not just about the present day murder as the bus crash also throws up questions that need answers.
The novel is mostly told from Josie’s point of view, with the occasional flashback to the children’s last minutes. I don’t think the flashbacks add much to the narrative except to highlight the erratic driver and the children’s fear and both of these are recurrent in the narrative. Josie’s narrative lets the reader live the investigation with her, so all developments and reveals are a surprise and there are plenty as each character has secrets.
The novel could equally be titled If Only, as it’s all about missed opportunities to avert catastrophe in the form of the bus crash. I understand that the author is trying show Josie that the if only game is for mugs, in light of her self recrimination at recent events, but it gets messy and could have been handled more subtly, rather than with the metaphorical cudgel used.
Still, the novel held my interest throughout. Who would have guessed there could be so many interconnecting secrets in such a small group of people? It’s clever the way they link together individually to build a bigger picture. If only…
And no, I didn’t guess the perpetrator and still don’t really get the motive.
Her Deadly Touch is a good read that I can recommend.
July 8, 2021
This book I think is a cathartic experience for both the lead character and the author. The author suffered a loss in the her personal life just as Josie had and you could feel that she poured her personal grief into this book. Josie has never had it easy in her life but the loss of her grandmother - the woman who raised her and was the only good person from her childhood - sends Josie to a dark place emotionally. The only thing keeping her afloat is a throwing herself into murder investigation that lands in her lap in a most unconventional way.
August 14, 2021
I am delighted to be catching up with the latest happenings in this great series featuring Detective Josie Quinn, written by Lisa Regan.
In this twelfth instalment, Josie is seeing a therapist, Dr Paige Rosetti following a suspension from the Denton PD, Central Pennsylvania. She is due to go back to work very soon and decides to visit the cemetery where her first husband, Ray is buried. Josie and her new husband, Noah have been following the case of missing thirty-two-year-old legal secretary, Krystal Duncan on the television, watching news reports and broadcasts. At the cemetery, she parks near Ray's headstone, trying to capture the peace of her surroundings, but then hears screaming. Dee Tenney is screaming next to Krystal, dead beside the grave of her daughter, Bianca Duncan who was killed in a school bus crash. Krystal's eyes are lifeless and her lips are sealed together with wax.
Although I dived into this series at book nine, there was enough backstory to really enjoy this novel, Her Deadly Touch. It was a captivating, briskly-paced police procedural with more than enough action taking place to retain my interest. Once hooked, I was glued to the pages and it was a ride of surprises. With its stylish and tense plot, this is crime thriller was an intriguing and emotional mixing of Josie's personal and professional lives. The story effortlessly flowed and there was never a dull moment as the plot beelined for the finale. Josie makes a tough, determined and admirable protagonist and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her. Her Deadly Touch contains drama, suspense and tension by the shedload and I highly recommend this immersive novel which will delight all readers, both series stalwarts and new readers. I am eagerly anticipating what Lisa Regan has in store for Josie Quinn next!
Disclosure: Thank you to Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Her Deadly Touch by Lisa Regan, via Netgalley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In this twelfth instalment, Josie is seeing a therapist, Dr Paige Rosetti following a suspension from the Denton PD, Central Pennsylvania. She is due to go back to work very soon and decides to visit the cemetery where her first husband, Ray is buried. Josie and her new husband, Noah have been following the case of missing thirty-two-year-old legal secretary, Krystal Duncan on the television, watching news reports and broadcasts. At the cemetery, she parks near Ray's headstone, trying to capture the peace of her surroundings, but then hears screaming. Dee Tenney is screaming next to Krystal, dead beside the grave of her daughter, Bianca Duncan who was killed in a school bus crash. Krystal's eyes are lifeless and her lips are sealed together with wax.
Although I dived into this series at book nine, there was enough backstory to really enjoy this novel, Her Deadly Touch. It was a captivating, briskly-paced police procedural with more than enough action taking place to retain my interest. Once hooked, I was glued to the pages and it was a ride of surprises. With its stylish and tense plot, this is crime thriller was an intriguing and emotional mixing of Josie's personal and professional lives. The story effortlessly flowed and there was never a dull moment as the plot beelined for the finale. Josie makes a tough, determined and admirable protagonist and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her. Her Deadly Touch contains drama, suspense and tension by the shedload and I highly recommend this immersive novel which will delight all readers, both series stalwarts and new readers. I am eagerly anticipating what Lisa Regan has in store for Josie Quinn next!
Disclosure: Thank you to Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Her Deadly Touch by Lisa Regan, via Netgalley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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